IPC 186→BNS 221

IPC 186 to BNS 221: Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions

Section 186 IPC (1860) replaced by Section 221 BNS (2023)

View IPC Section 186 →View BNS Section 221 →

IPC 186 to BNS 221 at a Glance

Section 186 IPC (Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions) is now Section 221 BNS, in force from 1 July 2024. Under the BNS it is bailable and non-cognizable. What changed is set out below.

What Changed From IPC 186 to BNS 221?

Section 186 IPC is now Section 221 BNS, with the same title and the same offence. The only change in the words is the upper limit of the fine, which rises from five hundred rupees to two thousand and five hundred rupees. The term of imprisonment stays at three months.

IPC 186 vs BNS 221: Comparison Table

AspectIPC 1860 (repealed)BNS 2023 (in force)
Section186221
OffenceObstructing public servant in discharge of public functionsSame
PunishmentImprisonment of either description for up to three months.Same
FineThe offender may be punished with fine of up to five hundred rupees alone or with both imprisonment and fine.The offender may be punished with fine of up to two thousand and five hundred rupees alone or with both imprisonment and fine.
BailBailableSame
CognizanceNon-CognizableSame
CompoundableNon-CompoundableSame
Triable ByAny MagistrateSame

IPC 186 and BNS 221: Bare Act Text Side by Side

IPC 1860 (repealed)

Section 186, IPC 1860

186. Obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions.—Whoever voluntarily obstructs any public servant in the discharge of his public functions, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both.
BNS 2023 (in force)

Section 221, BNS 2023

Whoever voluntarily obstructs any public servant in the discharge of his public functions, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may extend to two thousand and five hundred rupees, or with both.

Ingredients: IPC 186 vs BNS 221

Under IPC 186
  1. The person obstructed was a public servant
  2. The public servant was in the discharge of his public functions
  3. The accused obstructed that public servant
  4. The accused did so voluntarily
Under BNS 221
  1. A public servant in the discharge of his public functions
  2. Obstruction of that public servant by the accused
  3. The obstruction was voluntary

What IPC 186 to BNS 221 Means for Pending Cases

For Section 186 IPC (now Section 221 BNS): the offence and the term of imprisonment are unchanged, but the fine that can be imposed is now up to two thousand and five hundred rupees, so a charge for an act done after the BNS came into force cites Section 221 BNS and carries that higher limit.

FAQs: IPC 186 to BNS 221

What changed when Section 186 IPC became Section 221 BNS?▼

The number and the fine. Section 221 BNS repeats the title and the words of Section 186 IPC, but the upper limit of the fine rises from five hundred rupees to two thousand and five hundred rupees. The imprisonment of up to three months is the same.

Where does Section 186 IPC sit in the BNS?▼

In Section 221 BNS, in Chapter XIII, Of Contempts of the Lawful Authority of Public Servants.

Does Section 186 IPC or Section 221 BNS apply to an act done before 1 July 2024?▼

Section 186 IPC. Section 358 BNS repealed the IPC from 1 July 2024 but saves any liability already incurred under it, so an act done before that date is still dealt with under Section 186 IPC. Section 221 BNS governs acts done on or after 1 July 2024.

Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only. The new criminal laws came into effect on 1 July 2024. Consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Indian Penal Code, 1860 · Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 · Last updated: 16 Oct 2026 ·